Considering a Reverse Mortgage?
Talk to someone who actually lives here.
I'm Sean McDowell, The Mortgage Dad. I've been helping Southern California homeowners with their mortgages for more than 25 years. If you're 62 or older and wondering whether a reverse mortgage could improve your retirement, I'll personally help you understand the numbers, the benefits, the costs—and the alternatives.
In-home appointments available. Children, family members and trusted financial advisors are always welcome.
What can a reverse mortgage actually do?
A reverse mortgage allows eligible homeowners age 62+ to access a portion of their home equity without making the monthly principal-and-interest mortgage payments required with a traditional mortgage. Depending on your circumstances, it may allow you to:
Pay off your existing mortgage
Potentially improve monthly retirement cash flow.
Create a line of credit
Access home equity when you need it.
Receive monthly proceeds
Supplement other retirement resources.
Access a lump sum
For appropriate financial needs or planning.
A reverse mortgage is a loan, not free money. Interest and fees are added to the loan balance over time. You remain responsible for property taxes, homeowners insurance, property maintenance and other applicable obligations.
But is it right for you?
I've been in the mortgage business long enough to know that the answer isn't always another mortgage. A reverse mortgage can be an excellent financial tool for the right homeowner. For someone else, keeping their existing mortgage, using other assets, downsizing or simply doing nothing may make more sense.
My job is to show you the numbers and help you understand your options—not convince you to get a reverse mortgage.
What might a reverse mortgage look like for me?
Give me a few basic details and I'll personally review your situation.
The questions I hear most often
Yes, the homeowner retains title. The loan remains subject to its terms and your ongoing obligations — occupying the home as your primary residence and keeping up with taxes, insurance and maintenance.
A HECM generally doesn't require monthly principal-and-interest mortgage payments, but that's different from having “no payments.” Property taxes, homeowners insurance, maintenance and other applicable property charges remain your responsibility.
No. But the reverse mortgage is a loan secured by the property and eventually must be repaid. Interest and fees accrue, so the loan balance generally increases over time.
The loan generally becomes due when the last applicable borrower dies, sells the home, transfers it, or no longer occupies it as a principal residence, subject to the loan's terms.
Potentially, yes — but the reverse mortgage has to be resolved. This is exactly why I encourage adult children to participate in the conversation from the beginning.
That depends on factors including age, home value, existing liens, interest rates and the particular reverse-mortgage program.
Why work with a local mortgage professional?
Reverse mortgages are different from most loans I've originated during my career. They affect your home, your retirement and eventually your family. That's why I don't think this conversation should begin with a call center.
I'm local.I'll meet with you at your home, at my office or by video—whatever makes you most comfortable. And if you'd like your children, CPA, financial advisor or attorney involved, bring them. We'll sit down and go through it together.
I've been their Mortgage Dad for years.
I've worked with Sean's team for years across multiple loans, and the level of professionalism has never dropped.
A genuinely loyal, hardworking lender. Sean has gone out of his way for our clients more than once over the years.
A rock-solid, seasoned team. It was a relief to work with mortgage professionals who clearly knew what they were doing.
Still have questions? Good.
Let's talk before you make any decisions.
Get My Personalized Review